Healthy Sports: Playing a sport can lead to much more than fitness

Tuesday

Jun 26, 2007 at 12:01 AMJun 26, 2007 at 9:46 AM

Among the greatest obstacles to participation in any sport is the fear of embarrassment. There are also concerns about attire, rules, equipment, and ability. Once these hurdles are overcome, a great adventure awaits.

By Anthony G. Alessi, M.D.

Among the greatest obstacles to participation in any sport is the fear of embarrassment. There are also concerns about attire, rules, equipment, and ability. Once these hurdles are overcome, a great adventure awaits.

The benefits include better health, more social contacts, weight loss and a sense of accomplishment. Although golf may not require any great athletic prowess, the terminology, rules and cost can be overwhelming.

Dr. Ramindra Walia, a local pediatrician, was once a university-level cricket player in India.

“I was passing a driving range and noticed that the mechanics of swinging a golf club were not very different from swinging a cricket bat,” Walia said. “I enrolled in golf lessons and picked up the game quickly.”

He now golfs several times a week, including league play. His enjoyment of golf has also led to a new circle of friends and business associates.

Mary Rahaim is director of volunteer services at Backus Hospital. Ten years ago, her children presented her with a Mother’s Day gift of golf clubs and lessons. Despite having no interest in golf, she dutifully went for the lessons. Little did she realize her children had given her a gift of love that has led to many years of relaxing activity.

“It is important for women to become more active in golf, because of the many business opportunities it opens,” Rahaim said. “You can learn a lot about a person’s character on the golf course, both good and bad.”

Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is a neurologist on The William W. Backus Hospital Medical Staff in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC in Norwich. Reach him at sports@norwichbulletin.com